RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Super-Resolution Ultrasound of the Brain in 3D

This research is looking at a new way to image the brain after a stroke. It uses a special type of ultrasound, called 'super-resolution ultrasound', along with a contrast agent (a substance that helps things show up better on the scan) to create detailed 3D pictures of the blood vessels deep within the brain. The main goal is to see if this advanced imaging can clearly show small brain blood vessels called perforators, which are often affected in a stroke. If successful, this could help doctors identify strokes in the middle cerebral artery more accurately. About 20 people who have recently had a stroke will take part, receiving this special ultrasound within a week of their stroke. The results will be compared with standard brain scans like CT and MRI to see how well it works.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

Start

22 Mar 2024

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2025

Cerebral Stroke

What is this study about?

Imagine your brain is like a city with many roads, and a stroke happens when one of those roads gets blocked. Doctors usually use scans like CT or MRI to see these blockages. This study is trying out a brand new type of ultrasound, making it super powerful and super detailed. It's like having a special camera that can see tiny details on the brain's 'roads' that regular cameras might miss.

The main aim is to create incredibly detailed 3D pictures of specific blood vessels deep inside your brain, especially those related to a major 'highway' called the middle cerebral artery. We want to see if this new ultrasound can clearly show these small vessels, called perforators, and if we can use this information to tell if a stroke has happened in that area.

Why does this matter? If this special ultrasound works well, it could become a new, gentle way for doctors to get a very clear picture of why and where a stroke has occurred. This could potentially lead to quicker and more accurate diagnosis, helping doctors make better decisions about treatment. For this study, around 20 people who have recently had a stroke will have this special ultrasound, and the results will be carefully compared with their other brain scans.

Key takeaways

Exploring a new, detailed 3D ultrasound technique for stroke.
Aims to get clearer pictures of small brain blood vessels after a stroke.
Involves one special ultrasound scan within 7 days of a stroke.
Not a direct treatment, but could improve future stroke diagnosis.
Participation is voluntary and does not affect your standard care.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must be 18 years or older and currently in hospital because you've had a specific type of stroke called an ischemic stroke, which affects the deep part of your middle cerebral artery. This stroke needs to be visible on an MRI scan, and you must be able to have the special ultrasound scan, including having a clear 'window' in your temple for the sound waves to pass through. You also need to be within 24 hours to 7 days of your stroke and able to give your full, written permission to take part.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've recently had another stroke on the opposite side of your brain, or if you have certain heart or lung conditions that make the special ultrasound contrast product unsafe for you. You also couldn't participate if you're allergic to the contrast product (called Sonovue), have very high blood pressure that isn't controlled, or have certain other serious health issues like breathing problems, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, if the skin on your temple is damaged, or if you've recently had a heart attack or have unstable heart disease, you wouldn't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 or older?
Have you recently had a specific type of stroke (ischemic stroke affecting the middle cerebral artery)?
Did your stroke happen between 1 and 7 days ago?
Can you give your written permission to join the study?
Do you have any serious heart, lung, or skin conditions that might make you unsuitable?
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have one special ultrasound scan of your brain. This scan is done specifically for the research and will happen within 7 days of your stroke. During the scan, a special contrast product called Sonovue will be used to help get clearer pictures. This is a one-off examination for the study; there will be no additional visits or follow-up appointments required beyond this single scan. The total duration of your participation will be just for that one ultrasound appointment.

Potential risks and benefits

Benefits of taking part are not directly personal, but your contribution will help doctors improve our understanding of strokes and potentially lead to better diagnosis methods in the future. As for risks, the special ultrasound involves a contrast agent (Sonovue), which can have rare side effects like allergic reactions. The research team will discuss all potential risks, however small, with you thoroughly. Remember, you can choose to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Bichat
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'super-resolution ultrasound'?

It's an advanced type of ultrasound that creates very detailed, high-resolution pictures of tiny blood vessels in the brain.

What is 'Sonovue'?

Sonovue is a special liquid (called a 'contrast product') that helps the ultrasound machine see your blood vessels more clearly.

Will this study change my stroke treatment?

No, this study is for research only. Your regular doctors will continue to provide your care based on standard examinations.

Do I have to do anything special to prepare for the scan?

The research team will give you all the specific instructions if you decide to take part. Generally, no major preparation is needed.

How long will the special ultrasound take?

The team conducting the scan will be able to give you an exact time, but it's typically similar to other ultrasound procedures.

How to find out more

Elena MESEGUER, Dr

elena.meseguer@aphp.fr 01.40.25.70.33 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.